Today will be the last warm day before gales and bitterly cold weather hit Devon, forecasters say.

But Devon will be split in two - with temperatures dropping to below freezing across the south of the county and much of north Devon a whole six degrees warmer at 5 °C.

(Image: The Weather Channel)

The Met Office says Wednesday will be a mild and windy day, with often cloudy skies but perhaps a few brighter breaks at times too.

A little rain may reach western parts of the region by the end of the day. Maximum temperature 12 °C.

The Met Office official weather warning for Thursday

Tonight will remain mild, with gales developing around the coast as outbreaks of rain spread steadily southeastwards.

Some of the rain will turn heavy and persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 9 °C.

An official Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice has been issued for Thursday which will be wet and mild at first, with outbreaks of rain steadily clearing. Thereafter, it will turn brighter and much colder with a brisk northwesterly wind. Maximum temperature 13 °C.

On Friday to Sunday it will be windy and bitterly cold with scattered snow showers on Friday and Saturday, although bright and sunny for some too.